Why is safe food handling important when I’m trying to become pregnant?

Foods can carry germs that are harmful to your health. Practicing safe food handling at home can help you avoid foodborne illnesses that can affect your health and that of your developing baby.

When in doubt, throw it out: If you aren’t sure if a food is safe, don’t eat it.

Foodborne illnesses can impact you and your developing baby during pregnancy. Your ability to fight off infections is decreased when you’re pregnant, making you more vulnerable to foodborne illness.

Practicing safe food handling, such as thoroughly and regularly washing hands, sanitizing surfaces, and using clean utensils and cooking equipment, can reduce your risk of encountering harmful germs like Listeria, E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Toxoplasma gondii. Learning about these germs before pregnancy can help you know how to reduce your risk of getting a foodborne illness.

Some foods are best to avoid once you’re pregnant. Learn more about safe food alternatives and safe food handling during pregnancy.

For more information about food safety during pregnancy, see Healthy Parents Healthy Children.